Starting Monday, 19 May 2025, the NDIS is introducing a major change to how funding is released in new or reassessed participant plans. Instead of receiving your full plan budget upfront, funding will now be distributed in smaller chunks over the life of the plan — these are called funding periods.
If you’re a participant, support coordinator, plan manager, or provider, here’s exactly what you need to know (and what to do about it).
What Are Funding Periods?
Funding periods break down your total NDIS plan budget into smaller time-based amounts.
- For most supports, funding will be released quarterly (every 3 months).
- Some categories — like Home and Living supports — will be released monthly.
- Others, like Assistive Technology (AT) and Home Modifications, may still be released as a lump sum.
If you don’t use all the funding in a period, don’t worry — it rolls over into the next one. But remember, leftover funds at the end of your plan won’t carry over to a new plan.
When Does It Start?
The new funding periods apply to all plans approved from 19 May 2025 onwards.
Your funding periods begin on your plan’s start date, not the start of the calendar month. For example, if your plan starts on 15 June, then that’s when your first funding period begins — not the 1st of June.
What Happens to Leftover Funds?
Any unspent funds within a funding period will roll over into your next one.
But if you don’t use all of your total plan funding by the end of your plan, that leftover money does not roll over into your new plan.
Who Can See Your Funding Periods?
- You can see your funding periods in the NDIS Participant Portal (PACE).
- Your Plan Manager and Approved Support Coordinator (as listed in the portal) can also view your funding breakdown.
- Other providers will not have access to your full funding period info.
How Do Claims Work Now?
Claims for services or supports must match the funding period they were delivered in.
If a support or session crosses over two periods, it may need to be split into two separate claims (this is still being clarified by NDIA).
If a claim exceeds the available funding in the current period (even including rolled-over funds), the claim will be rejected.
You cannot “borrow” funding from future periods.
Can You Move Money Between Periods?
No — you can’t just transfer funds from one period to another.
If you need more funding sooner (e.g. due to front-loading for setup or assessments), you must ask for a variation during your planning meeting, or submit a request for a plan reassessment.
You can request changes to the structure of the funding periods (e.g. changing from quarterly to monthly), but not the amount without a reassessment.
Is the Plan Still Flexible?
- Core Supports remain flexible, depending on how they’re managed.
- Capacity Building Supports are still flexible unless stated otherwise in your plan.
- Capital Supports are usually fixed and itemised as always.
Does This Apply to Children Too?
Yes — these funding period rules apply to all new plans, including Early Childhood participants.
Already Have an NDIS Plan?
If your current plan was approved before 19 May 2025, these changes do not affect you — yet.
Once your plan is reassessed or renewed, the new funding period model will apply.
Quick Summary
- ✅ New plans from 19 May = funding released in stages
- ✅ Unused funds roll into the next period
- ❌ You can’t use future period funds early
- ❌ Funds don’t carry into the next plan
- ✅ Plan managers and support coordinators can view your funding breakdown in PACE
- ✅ You’ll need to split claims if supports cross periods
- ✅ Speak up at your planning meeting if you need more funding released earlier
What Should You Do Now?
1. Speak Up in Your Planning Meeting
If you need more funding earlier in your plan — for things like assessments, support coordination, or behaviour support — raise this clearly in your meeting. Ask the planner to allocate more funds to earlier periods if needed. Always follow up with a written request if their allocation doesn’t meet your needs.
You can also submit a Section 100 review if you disagree with the funding structure.
2. Review Your Service Agreements
Make sure your service agreements align with the new funding periods. If you’re self- or plan-managed, you could end up owing money out-of-pocket if services are delivered ahead of the funds being released.
3. Ask for Help Early
If your needs change or you face a crisis, don’t wait until funding runs out. Request a plan reassessment as soon as your circumstances change.
4. Stay Informed
Keep an eye on updates directly from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and NDIA via:
- www.ndis.gov.au
- Your Participant Portal
- Official email bulletins and updates
Final Thoughts
This new staged funding system will take some adjustment — for participants, coordinators, and providers alike. The aim is to encourage more active plan monitoring, reduce large up-front underspending, and promote consistent review of needs.
But like any change, it’s only effective if it’s understood. Speak up, stay informed, and make sure your plan reflects your real-world support needs.
If you’re unsure how this might affect you or someone you support, now’s the time to get clarity.
For official guidance, visit:
https://www.ndis.gov.au